Fire at hospital nursery in Pakistan’s capital kills 14 newborns, officials say

A fire broke out early Wednesday at a newborn nursery within a major government hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 babies, according to hospital officials and the government. The nursery, located at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, was home to at least 15 newborns when the fire broke out.

One baby was rescued by rescue teams, while the remaining 14 succumbed to the tragedy. The fire erupted around 6:45 a.m., allegedly triggered by the explosion of an air-conditioning unit’s compressor located inside the nursery, which is part of the hospital’s gynecology ward. Firefighters promptly responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames.

Cooling operations were subsequently initiated at the site. The hospital has yet to provide an official response to inquiries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and promptly ordered a thorough investigation into the unfortunate event. In a statement, his office confirmed the death toll of 14 newborns, emphasizing that "a tragedy involving children is an irreparable loss."